15min cities

i see what you're saying but i think it's important to be accurate with our language

you won't be allowed to leave your neighbourhood

This isn't happening, no matter how you stretch.

your movements will be tracked

This is already happening through ANPR cameras at 99% of forecourts, through speed cameras, though general surveillance, through your mobile phone and through your debit card spending. But I'm sure all these protestors were equally as outraged about those things...right?

Car use has been conditional since forever. We require people to be tested, licensed, insured, and taxed before they can drive. We impose those conditions because it benefits society to do so. This is no different from that.

But I'm sure all these protestors were equally as outraged about those things...right?

£10 says that if you brought all those things out now it would be exactly the same.

Thanks to a number of factors these people are now part of an online community exploited by the social media platforms.

https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/connecting-oxfordshire/traffic-filters/traffic-filter-factcheck

100%
https://youtu.be/2xcQIoh3FQQ

same vibes

Wish I'd never read this. How people can prioritize cars over people and safe spaces blows my mind.

A lot of the more crazy reactions seem to be coming from the US as well where, for many places, walking anywhere is pretty unusual. I've stayed in hotels in the US where you can't actually walk to the restaurant or shop next door or across the road, you need to drive between them all.

Even places where you can walk you won't see a single other person walking, everyone drives.

We require people to be tested, licensed, insured, and taxed before they can drive.

I bet many of the objectors with their accusations of ultra surveillance want cyclist to have registration numbers, pay road tax, and have insurance

yes, the venn diagram of those who want cyclists to be more traceable and don't want themselves (as drivers) to be traceable is a perfect circle

Our pals moved to Pennsylvania. Big housing estate built in the 2000s. The only access was directly off a dual carriageway by car. Impossible to walk or cycle to, no public transport. Less than a mile to a row of shops but no way of getting to them without a car.

Can we also get a venn for “15 minute cities are the devil” and “strikers are the devil”

There was an interesting and hot conversation on Radio 4 on the weekend about 15MC and Oxford, they had some nut job protestor leader debating with a hapless Oxford councillor and I couldn't help but think that these two people are talking about 2 completely different things. One was trying to set out some very dull local transport initiative and the other was making the case that it was part of a global conspiracy. absolutely barmy, the world has gone nuts.

The thing is that the concept of 15min cities is now dead, it will be forever associated with this, and make councils even more terrified of doing 'any' kind of traffic management. It doesnt matter if normal people think its ridiculous.

The thing is that the concept of 15min cities is now dead, it will be forever associated with this, and make councils even more terrified of doing 'any' kind of traffic management. It doesn't matter if normal people think its ridiculous.

According to the Oxford instance the woman interviewed on the Sky video posted above suggested that polling and election data favours the LTN/15min approach.
Don't write it off yet. The majority of 'normal' people will vote for normal candidates

Like with Brexit, people change their minds. Though as has been mentioned the proponents of these measures need to up their game in how to communicate these plans. Some good examples of improved communication in London in places such as Waltham forest and Enfield

Yeah really good! People really are going off on one these days eh? I blame the strength of the weed

I've stayed in hotels in the US where you can't actually walk to the restaurant or shop next door or across the road, you need to drive between them all.

There's plenty of retail and office park hellholes around medium/large towns in the UK that aren't far off. Plus lots of greenfield housing developments with no amenities of their own that are realistically inaccessible by anything but car.

And yet I imagine the venn diagram of anti 15 minute cities and right to roam barely overlap, different groups want different freedoms and other people's opinions/ choices curtailed in different ways

right to roam has never, ever applied to motor vehicles, and I'm intensely grateful for that.

different groups want different freedoms and other people's opinions/ choices curtailed in different ways

quite - that's why decision makers should refer to the body of evidence on a topic when considering clashes of opinions. Thankfully in this case, the evidence is quite clear which path should be supported.

Freedom is always a tradeoff - no-one can be 'more free' without someone else being less free as a consequence. This is all just about being selfish.

I asked ChatGPT:
Write an argument for 15 minute cities to persuade motorists that this benefits them as well as everyone else

The concept of "15-minute cities" is gaining momentum as a new model of urban planning that seeks to create neighborhoods where residents have access to all their daily needs within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from their homes. This model is not just beneficial for pedestrians and cyclists, but also for motorists, and here's why:

Firstly, 15-minute cities reduce traffic congestion. When people can access their daily needs within a short distance from their homes, they are less likely to drive long distances, which can lead to traffic congestion. This means that people who do drive will experience less traffic, resulting in faster and more efficient journeys, saving motorists time and money.

Secondly, 15-minute cities offer a range of transportation options, including cycling and walking, which are both healthier and cheaper alternatives to driving. The availability of these options not only reduces the number of cars on the road but also benefits motorists by creating safer and more pleasant roads to drive on.

Thirdly, 15-minute cities offer a sense of community and promote social interaction. When people have easy access to community resources such as shops, schools, and public spaces, they are more likely to engage with their community and build social connections. This can lead to a more cohesive community and reduced crime rates, creating a safer environment for motorists and everyone else.

Finally, 15-minute cities can improve property values. When people have easy access to amenities and resources, the desirability of a neighborhood increases, which can lead to higher property values. This benefits motorists who own property in the neighborhood, as well as anyone looking to buy or sell property in the area.

In conclusion, 15-minute cities are not just beneficial for pedestrians and cyclists, but for motorists as well. They reduce traffic congestion, offer a range of transportation options, promote social interaction, and improve property values. By creating a more livable and sustainable city, 15-minute cities benefit everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation.

Not sure any of those are going to convince the delivery driver or tradesman it is a good idea

Another chatGPT
Write a short piece about how 15 minute cities benefit people with disabilities

15-minute cities, which aim to provide all necessary amenities and services within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home, can greatly benefit people with disabilities. Here are a few ways in which 15-minute cities can improve the lives of people with disabilities:

Firstly, 15-minute cities provide better access to amenities and services. For people with disabilities, traveling long distances to access basic necessities can be challenging. By having all necessary amenities and services within a short distance, 15-minute cities reduce the need for long journeys, making it easier for people with disabilities to access what they need.

Secondly, 15-minute cities promote greater independence. People with disabilities often rely on others for transportation and other needs. By having everything they need within a short distance, 15-minute cities enable people with disabilities to be more independent and self-sufficient, improving their quality of life.

Thirdly, 15-minute cities provide safer and more accessible transportation options. 15-minute cities prioritize pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, making it easier for people with disabilities to navigate the city safely and easily. This can be especially beneficial for people with mobility or visual impairments, who may struggle with traditional transportation options.

Finally, 15-minute cities promote greater social inclusion. By providing easy access to community resources and public spaces, 15-minute cities can help people with disabilities feel more connected to their community. This can lead to increased social interaction and reduced isolation, improving mental health and well-being.

In conclusion, 15-minute cities can greatly benefit people with disabilities by improving access to amenities and services, promoting greater independence, providing safer and more accessible transportation options, and promoting greater social inclusion. By creating a more inclusive and accessible city, 15-minute cities can improve the lives of all members of the community, regardless of ability.

Maybe it's just me getting old but I actually feel depressed and completely powerless seeing this misinformation campaign spread so easily because this is one of those things I've been very passionate about for ages and it's very close to my heart. When you start feeling that things are slowly progressing, the insane conservative grifters take it hostage and within a week there is insane pushback and it turns into a culture war issue. This is why I don't really care about anything anymore, it's just so mentally exhausting to even deal with all the conversative lunacy of the past few years let alone actively trying to change things. I'd like to roll my eyes and ignore it but I can't avoid being emotionally affected, wether it's vaccines or 15 minute cities or education or whatever. It's like half the world population want to restrict access to happiness and it's so fucking exhausting to fight it that at some point you just give up and accept the world's shit forever...

I felt really sorry for you reading this, then I looked inwardly and saw myself there. So now i'm feeling exactly the same. Thanks for the diagnosis.

Chat GPT is obviously in on the conspiracy

@lemonade do you have a source for the claim ‘in Oxford people will be charged £70 to drive from one zone to another’? Even if it turns out to be false, still interested.

Why do you think Microsoft invested $10bn in OpenAI, Bill still has them delivering for the new world order

Sorry if I'm being stupid here but is the idea to close/install cameras (filters) on every street that crosses the line between zones or is it just the major arteries?

Are these measures really so drastically different to things that are already in place? I've noticed that driving in Glasgow city centre is already kind of on its way to being like the objectors are painting the Oxford system due to bus gates and one way systems etc. If I want to pick up Mrs M_V from work (I don't do it often but sometimes it makes sense to) then from where the m8 dumps me at Bothwell st is a 1.5mile 12min drive around the heart of city to her place of work at the east end of George street, by bike it would be 0.9miles and would take 5 min to ride directly there.

The puddle drinking protesters could even argue that the bus gates are more draconian as nobody gets a 'pass' to drive though them (ok, emergency vehicles and taxis do but you know what I mean).

Just for clarity, I don't object to the routes I have to take when driving in Glasgow, I'm just seeing parallels between what's already in place and being lived with and what's being proposed.